Our Goal is to Save Women's Lives!

According to the American Cancer Society, there are about 21,900 new cases of ovarian cancer and 15,460 deaths due to the disease per year. 80% of those are already in the later stages.It’s time for a change!

Ovarian Cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer and the fifth leading cause of death in women in the United States. It is known as the "silent killer" because once symptoms become evident, the disease has advanced to the most dangerous levels.

Ovarian Cancer is a cancer that often begins in the cells that make up the ovaries and is a disease produced by the rapid growth and division of cells within one or both ovaries-reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, and the female sex hormones are made. The ovaries contain cells that, under normal circumstances, reproduce to maintain tissue health. When growth control is lost and cells divide too much and too fast, a cellular mass-or tumor- is formed. If the tumor is confined to a few layers, for example, surface cells, and it does not invade surrounding tissues or organs, it is considered benign. If the cancer spreads to the surrounding tissues or organs, it is considered malignant, or cancerous. When cancerous cells break away from the original tumor, travel through the blood or lymphatic vessels, and grow within other parts of the body, the process is called metastasis.

STATISTICS:

Ovarian cancer occurs in approximately 1 out of 71 women-regardless of age.

Over 21,600 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and more than 15,500 will die of the disease every year.

Unfortunately, due to ovarian cancer's non-specific symptoms and lack of early detection test, approximately 80% of those will have been diagnosed Stage III or Stage IV.

A variety of studies have shown that women diagnosed at an early stage have an approximate 80%-90% five-year survival rate.

Those diagnosed at a later stage have a five-year survival rate of roughly 5%-18%.

RISK FACTORS:

A past history of breast cancer or a past history of ovarian cancer in your immediate family.

If a relative has previously had breast or ovarian cancer, there is a 10-15% chance of you being diagnosed with it as well.

Being over the age of 50

Race-ovarian cancer occurs 50% more frequently in white women than African American women

People of Eastern European/Jewish descent

Hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal women

Exposure to/use of talc or asbestos, or frequent use of douches, condoms, dusting powder, feminine hygiene sprays or sanitary napkins used in the genital area.